“I’m just going with the club as far as I can. Trying to get three weeks off work, I couldn’t commit to doing it this year.

“I would have loved to have done it but just at this time of the year, it just couldn’t work it out and I had to pull out of it unfortunately.”

The 27-year-old suggested that county teammate Brian Fenton may not be in a position to come on board either ahead of the games in Adelaide and Perth on November 12 and 18 respectively.

McCarthy represented his country in 2014 but admitted that it’s next to impossible for Ireland to field a full strength team against the Australians at this time of year given the commitments that go with a full inter-county season.

“That’s the massive challenge. You’re taking the odd Friday off work, an annual leave day [during the year].

“They add up going into matches and then you’re trying to keep your few days for your trips away with your partner or with your team.